HRT- Cortisol Treatment in Creedmoor, NC

Understanding Cortisol

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland. It is known primarily for its involvement in stress reactions. Cortisol also plays a key role in regulating weight, blood pressure, and immune system function. The ratios of estrogen to testosterone and DHEA to insulin are influenced, in part, by cortisol. Cortisol carries out many of its roles in the body by activating and stimulating a number of regulatory processes. Its catalytic methods and diverse responsibilities set it apart from other hormones.

The Impact of Cortisol Imbalance

Cortisol – like any hormone – can have a negative impact on the body if it is not present in the right concentrations. An excess of cortisol can produce a variety of side effects, including:

Cortisol imbalance may also negatively impact the balance of other hormones in the body. The adrenal gland loses its ability to produce cortisol over time. This often leads to symptoms such as fatigue, hypotension, insomnia, hypoglycemia, and low libido. Fortunately there are treatment options for those suffering from cortisol imbalance.

Hormone Therapy for Cortisol Imbalance

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been used for several decades to correct hormone imbalance. The goal is to introduce synthetic hormones to the body so that they may be used in place of naturally-produced hormones. The problem with traditional HRT is that the body is often able to detect minute chemical differences in the synthetic hormones. This results in only a fraction of the hormones introduced into the body via HRT being recognized and used for their intended purpose. The remaining hormones are left behind and may cause serious bodily damage. Some evidence points to HRT in creating or supporting serious conditions such as:

Osteoporosis

Coronary heart disease

Breast cancer

Endometrial cancer

Colon cancer

Memory loss

Dementia

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy – A Safer Alternative

bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is believed by many to be a safer, more effective alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy. BHRT uses a patient specific blend of hormones to correct hormonal imbalance. Derived from natural sources, BHRT hormones are indistinguishable from the body’s own hormones, unlike synthetic variants. With the body being incapable of detecting chemical differences in the bioidentical hormones, almost all of them get used. This means that BHRT is likely more effective than traditional HRT. Because more hormones fulfill their intended purpose, less are left behind to potentially cause damage to the body. This is largely why bioidentical hormones are believed to be safer than synthetic alternatives.

Both traditional and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy are available to patients in a number of different forms. This includes pills, patches, creams, gels, and injectables. Hormone pellets are a popular method of delivery amongst BHRT patients. A hormone pellet – often no larger than a grain of rice – is implanted via injection into muscle tissue. Bioidentical hormones are then gradually distributed throughout the body over the course of several months. This is often preferred as it considerably lengthens the time between treatments.